25 July 2026
Gaelic Medium Education boosts career prospects of Scottish students
A new research report suggests that Gaelic Medium Education (GME) offers significant advantages for young people's future careers as well as supporting Scotland's linguistic and cultural heritage.
‘Gaelic Medium Education: a career advantage for school leavers in Scotland?’ by Dr Emma Bolger and Ann Morrison, explores how bilingual education influences educational attainment, career aspirations and employment outcomes. The findings indicate that Gaelic can provide learners with a range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers.
The study found that former GME learners consistently reported increased confidence, strong communication skills, resilience and adaptability, alongside enhanced cultural awareness and identity. Many participants believed these attributes helped them progress into higher education and employment. While Gaelic language skills can open opportunities in sectors such as education, media, public services, tourism and the creative industries, the research highlights that the broader employability skills developed through bilingual learning are equally valuable across a wide range of occupations.
The report also identifies an important role for career development professionals in helping learners recognise and communicate these strengths. Career guidance can support young people to articulate the transferable skills gained through Gaelic Medium Education, challenge misconceptions about career opportunities associated with minority languages, and raise awareness of the growing demand for bilingual and intercultural skills in Scotland's evolving labour market.
The researchers recommend closer collaboration between schools, employers and career services to ensure learners understand the career value of Gaelic throughout their educational journey. As Scotland continues to invest in Gaelic education and seeks to address future skills needs, the report provides timely evidence that Gaelic Medium Education contributes not only to language preservation but also to employability, lifelong career development and a more diverse workforce.
Read more about Gaelic Medium Education: a career advantage for school leavers in Scotland?.
‘Gaelic Medium Education: a career advantage for school leavers in Scotland?’ by Dr Emma Bolger and Ann Morrison, explores how bilingual education influences educational attainment, career aspirations and employment outcomes. The findings indicate that Gaelic can provide learners with a range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers.
The study found that former GME learners consistently reported increased confidence, strong communication skills, resilience and adaptability, alongside enhanced cultural awareness and identity. Many participants believed these attributes helped them progress into higher education and employment. While Gaelic language skills can open opportunities in sectors such as education, media, public services, tourism and the creative industries, the research highlights that the broader employability skills developed through bilingual learning are equally valuable across a wide range of occupations.
The report also identifies an important role for career development professionals in helping learners recognise and communicate these strengths. Career guidance can support young people to articulate the transferable skills gained through Gaelic Medium Education, challenge misconceptions about career opportunities associated with minority languages, and raise awareness of the growing demand for bilingual and intercultural skills in Scotland's evolving labour market.
The researchers recommend closer collaboration between schools, employers and career services to ensure learners understand the career value of Gaelic throughout their educational journey. As Scotland continues to invest in Gaelic education and seeks to address future skills needs, the report provides timely evidence that Gaelic Medium Education contributes not only to language preservation but also to employability, lifelong career development and a more diverse workforce.
Read more about Gaelic Medium Education: a career advantage for school leavers in Scotland?.
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